Bafana Bafana will not be part of the final round of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers next month. While several countries have booked their ticket to the Ivory, others have little worry about needing results in their final game.
Being in a group of three has ensured South Africa has picked a ticket to AFCON 2023 following two wins, a draw, and a loss in the group phase.
However, it is a massive opportunity for Bafana Bafana to fine-tune their strategies. The one-time AFCON champions have lined up friendlies to keep them sharp ahead of the tournament in Ivory Coast between January and February 2024.
Bafana Bafana will play Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo next and has invited 36 players to the team.
The preliminary squad will be trimmed to 23 players next week when Broos announces his final list for the two matches.
In the team, we have some new faces. Here, we give you a list of the invited players and the new faces in the squad.
New faces in the Bafana Bafana squad
Some of the players on the list for the upcoming friendlies have been invited for the first time, while some players have received past invitations but have yet to make their debut for the Bafana Bafana.
Ime Okon (SuperSport United)
To many in South Africa, Okon is the next big thing. He received his call-up to the national side. The 18-year-old defender plays for SuperSport United.
Described as quick and athletic, Ime passed through the Orlando Pirates development structure. He made his PSL debut three weeks ago.
Okon has three top-flight league matches under his belt but was included in the 36-man provisional squad by Hugo Broos.
In case you missed our squad announcement @10betSports @CastleLagerSA @LeCoqSportif_SA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/0BjjeparGE
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 23, 2023
Mlungisi Mbunjani (TS Galaxy)
The TS Galaxy midfielder is a bundle of experience. He is getting his first national team call-up at 32. The former Highlands and Cape City Stars player will hope for the opportunity to impress Hugo Broos.
Keagan Allan (Moroka Swallows)
Broos seems to have the idea of giving youth a chance in this new set-up. He has invited 23-year-old Allan and offered him the opportunity to gain international experience.
Allan, who joined Moroka Swallows from the University of Pretoria despite interest from Serie A clubs, is a highly-rated defender.
Thabiso Monyane (Orlando Pirates)
The 23-year-old right-back came through the Orlando Pirates' development academy. Monyane also played in the 2016 COSAFA Under-17 Championship and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The Bafana Bafana call-up is a massive step up for his career.
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
The 26-year-old goalkeeper joined Orlando Pirates from Chippa and is their first choice as a goalkeeper for the Bucs.
Broos feels confident enough to give him a tryout with Bafana Bafana.
Our final training session @FnbStadium before we move over to @OrlandoStadium tomorrow. #BafanaPride #AFCON2023Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/e4nUBDVjOk
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 22, 2023
Zuko Mdunyelwa (Chippa United)
The 22-year-old defender is another young call-up by Broos.
All these players have impressed so far in the league and hope to grab this opportunity to be part of the party to Ivory Coast.
Other Bafana Bafana invitees
Some players were part of the national team in the past. Given Msimango is one such player. He is yet to get his first cap for the South African national team.
Msimango got another chance to prove his mettle by Broos.
France-based Lebo Mothiba also returns to the Bafana set-up after a long time out of the national team.
The full list
| Name | Position | Club |
| Ronwen Williams | Goalkeeper | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Veli Mothwa | Goalkeeper | Amazulu FC |
| Ricardo Goss | Goalkeeper | Supersport United |
| Sipho Chaine | Goalkeeper | Orlando Pirates |
| Sydney Mobbie | Defender | Sekhukhune United |
| Grant Kekana | Defender | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Nkosinathi Sibisi | Defender | Orlando Pirates |
| Aubrey Modiba | Defender | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Thabiso Monyane | Defender | Orlando Pirates |
| Mothobi Mvala | Defender | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Siyanda Xulu | Defender | Supersport United |
| Given Msimango | Defender | Kaizer Chiefs |
| Innocent Maela | Defender | Orlando Pirates |
| Keegan Allan | Defender | Moroka Swallows |
| Ime Okon | Defender | Supersport United |
| Sfiso Hlanti | Defender | Kaizer Chiefs |
| Zuko Mdunyelwa | Defender | Chippa United |
| Luke Le Roux | Midfielder | Varbergs Bois |
| Njabulo Blom | Midfielder | Saint Louis |
| Teboho Mokoena | Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Grant Magerman | Midfielder | Supersport United |
| Bathusi Aubaas | Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Sphephelo Sithole | Midfielder | C.D Tondela |
| Mlungisi Mbunjana | Midfielder | TS Galaxy |
| Mihlali Mayambela | Forward | Aris Limassol |
| Themba Zwane | Forward | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Kobamelo Kodisang | Forward | Moreirense |
| Khanyisa Mayo | Forward | Cape Town City |
| Iqraam Rayners | Forward | Stellenbosch |
| Pule Mmodi | Forward | Kaizer Chiefs |
| Bongokuhle Hlongwane | Forward | Minnesota FC |
| Percy Tau | Forward | Al Ahly SC |
| Zakhele Lepasa | Forward | Orlando Pirates |
| Lyle Foster | Forward | Burnley |
| Lebo Mothiba | Forward | Strasbourg |
| Monnapule Saleng | Forward | Orlando Prates |
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
